Immune Regulation News Volume 4.01 | Jan 13 2012

Cold Urticaria, Immunodeficiency, and Autoimmunity Related to PLCG2 Deletions
Researchers found that genomic deletions in PLCG2 cause gain of PLCγ₂ function, leading to signaling abnormalities in multiple leukocyte subsets and a phenotype encompassing both excessive and deficient immune function. [N Engl J Med] Abstract | Press Release

Innate Response Activator B Cells Protect Against Microbial Sepsis
Here, investigators describe an effector B cell population that protects against microbial sepsis. [Science] Abstract | Press Release

Signaling via the Kinase p38α Programs Dendritic Cells to Drive T_H17 Differentiation and Autoimmune Inflammation
Investigators report here that the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38α programmed dendritic cells to drive the differentiation of the T_H17 subset of helper T cells. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

NLRC4 Inflammasomes in Dendritic Cells Regulate Noncognate Effector Function by Memory CD8⁺ T Cells
Researchers show that CD8α⁺ dendritic cells were particularly efficient at sensing bacterial flagellin through NLRC4 inflammasomes. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

Transcription of Il17 and Il17f Is Controlled by Conserved Noncoding Sequence 2
Here, scientists report a cis element that they previously named conserved noncoding sequence 2 physically interacted with both Il17 and Il17f gene promoters and was sufficient for regulating their selective transcription in T helper 17 cells. [Immunity] Abstract

RAE1ε Ligand Expressed on Pancreatic Islets Recruits NKG2D Receptor-Expressing Cytotoxic T Cells Independent of T Cell Receptor Recognition
With a transgenic mouse expressing the NKG2D ligand retinoic acid early transcript 1ε (RAE1ε) in β-islet cells of the pancreas, researchers found that RAE1 expression was sufficient to induce the recruitment of adoptively transferred cytotoxic T lymphocytes to islets. [Immunity] Abstract

Demonstration of Islet-Autoreactive CD8 T Cells in Insulitic Lesions from Recent Onset and Long-Term Type 1 Diabetes Patients
Sections of frozen pancreas samples were systematically analyzed for the presence of insulin-sufficient β cells, CD8⁺ insulitic lesions, and HLA class I hyperexpression. [J Exp Med] Abstract | Press Release

Deciphering the Genetic Architecture of Variation in the Immune Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Researchers characterized transcript and protein expression levels and mapped expression quantitative trait loci in primary dendritic cells from 65 individuals, before and after infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Distinct Influences of Peptide-MHC Quality and Quantity on In Vivo T-Cell Responses
By comparing two different peptide-major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs) at doses yielding similar proliferation in vivo, researchers have highlighted unexpected differences in the qualitative and quantitative effects of the T-cell receptor ligand. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Reversal of Type 1 Diabetes via Islet Beta Cell Regeneration following Immune Modulation by Cord Blood-Derived Multipotent Stem Cells
In an open-label, phase I/II study, patients with type 1 diabetes received one treatment with the Stem Cell Educator. Individuals who received Stem Cell Educator therapy exhibited increased expression of costimulating molecules (specifically, CD28 and ICOS), increases in the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and restoration of Th1/Th2/Th3 cytokine balance. [BMC Med] Abstract | Press Release

Indiana State University, Professor Receive Patent for Adjuvant that Boosts Immune System
While conducting research on cancer, Swapan Ghosh and a team of graduate and doctoral students discovered a phytol-derived adjuvant. That adjuvant formula just became U.S. Patent No. 8,088,395. [Indiana State University] Press Release

TiGenix Obtains €2.9 Million FP7 Grant to Fund Development of Cx611 in Rheumatoid Arthritis
TiGenix announced that as the coordinator of an international consortium it has obtained a substantial grant from the European Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) to support the development of its Cx611 program of allogeneic expanded adipose derived stem cells for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [TiGenix]
Press Release

Celtaxsys Acquires Clinical Stage Innate Immunity Drug for Inflammation
Celtaxsys, Inc. announced that it has acquired CTX-4430 (formerly EP-501), a clinical stage drug candidate that inhibits the pro-inflammatory enzyme Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase, from Estrellita Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [Celtaxsys, Inc.] Press Release

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